Wood Doors: What You Need to Know Before You Shop

Posted on Jun 21, 2013 12:00am PDT

Not all wood doors are created equal, so it is important to arm yourself with knowledge before you go shopping for a new door. Wood doors are made with a variety of different species, each of which has its own ideal application. Whether you are looking for a new interior or exterior door, Southern Lumber can help you choose the best wood for your home. Read on to learn what you should know before you shop for wood doors.

Door Placement

Wood is a durable and attractive choice for both interior and exterior doors. When you are looking for an exterior door, it is a good idea to take into consideration which direction it will face. Doors with southern and western exposure will be subject to more sunlight than doors with northern exposure. You should also take into account whether the door will be protected from the elements by a porch or an overhang. Wood doors generally perform best when they are at least partially sheltered from harsh weather.

Aesthetics

Your front door can make a lasting first impression on visitors, and it can even affect the resale value of your home. As you are shopping for wooden doors, consider what you want the end result to look like. Some woods such as Douglas fir are ideal for taking paint if you want to make a bold, colorful statement with your door. Other hardwoods such as walnut, mahogany, cherry, maple, and oak look their best when they are stained. A naturally-stained wood door can give your home a classically beautiful look that works for many different styles of house.

Size

Wood doors come in a variety of sizes, and can even be custom built if you have an oddly-shaped entryway. Take measurements before you go shopping, and note if there seems to be any settling of the house.

Southern Lumber is proud to offer the highest quality wood doors for both interior and exterior use. Call us at (408) 297-9663 or visit our San Jose showroom to speak with one of our friendly door experts. You can also browse our selection by visiting our website.